​​Solstices hold a special reminder for me that a new path will reveal itself.

This past year, the world has experienced a combination of events that could have been written in fiction books.

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You can't survive tumultuous times without changing and adapting.

​I have gone through all of the emotions many times over this year and I keep coming back to love. This is not disengaging with everything that has happened and is still happening, but seeing it with open eyes and calling in higher love.

Emotional rollercoasters are familiar emotions in the communities Syzygy Dance Project supports with its volunteer work.

Whether it's an incarcerated woman recovering from the abuse she suffered, the veteran still dealing with PTSD, the recovering addict trying to remain sober, the healthcare aid working long hours during the pandemic, or the elderly shut-in dealing with extreme loneliness.

When I work with these communities--inviting them to trust the dance process, I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I see them shift from thoughts of despair to hope.

In Syzygy Dance Projects virtual dance home represented by little ZOOM squares on the screen, I listen as the music plays and I sway in the beat's rhythm, gently talking about the breath moving through the body as class participants slowly begin to move in rhythm with me.

Then the magic begins to happen.

Inch by inch, step by step, everyone feels the rhythm, and finally, let go. Web cameras that are turned off begin to turn on to visually join the online group. Sometimes I see attendees singing with the movement in their space. There is a connection (even through ZOOM) that is stronger than simply staring at a device screen.

You feel as if your spirits are dancing with others through space.

At the end of class, everyone's eyes reflect hope. Smiling faces and the energy of what's possible beyond current circumstances fills the view. 

This is the gift you receive when I offer my movement classes to the SDP outreach community, and I couldn't do it without your support. These life-shifting experiences happen because of YOU.

I hope you will continue to help SDP's work through 2021 with your donations or taking one of my classes. I do love dancing with you. I am overjoyed when I see your faces in class. It's wonderful.

I invite you to take a moment during this 'great conjunction' solstice to reflect on how you’d like to come out of this year and decade.

I look forward to seeing you on the other side!

With Gratitude,

Sylvie Minot and the SDP Team
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​Have you done your end-of-year-giving yet?

If you haven’t completed your end-of-year donations, there are many many ways you can support our work.

Here are 5 ways you can help:

1. IGive 
2. Amazon Smile
3. Direct Donation 
4. Matching Gifts
5. A Monthly Recurring Membership to SDP

When you click on any of the names above, you will be redirected to more information on how to give to SDP.

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In Sylvie Minot’s weekly 5Rhythms class, you will be led on a journey of self-discovery as you join others in community. The class is made up of two waves. The first wave is your time to arrive, let go of your day and settle into your body. During the second wave, we dance more deeply and explore a specific theme.

5Rhythms is a simple movement practice designed to release the dancer that lives in every body regardless of shape, size, age, or experience. While the dance itself is simple, it has the power to catalyze deep healing and creative expression.

The primary teaching of this work is: If you put your psyche in motion, it will heal itself.

The five rhythms are Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. They come together to create a wave.

Classes feature DJ music that is facilitated by the teacher, Sylvie Minot. There are no dance steps to follow, but you are guided in breath and movement through the different musical choices. Each rhythm has its own energy and tempo in which you tap into the wisdom of your body, bring awareness to the patterns in yourself and your life, and find your individual expression. No two classes are the same.

Any level of fitness, agility and ages are invited to participate. All are welcome and no prior dance training or ability is required.

Please note -- for the virtual 5Rhythms class, you don't have to connect via video--you can choose to call in or join by audio only and listen to the class through a headset. Some dancers enjoy going for a walk outdoors while they move to the music.

About Sylvie Minot 

Sylvie Minot received her BA in Dance from San Jose State University and is a certified 5Rhythms® Teacher who was also trained in the Heartbeat (emotional) map by 5Rhythms' founder, Gabrielle Roth.

Sylvie has studied psychology, indigenous healing rituals, energy medicine, and sound healing and is inspired by the teachings of author and cultural anthropologist, Angeles Arrien, renowned speaker and teacher, Caroline Myss, and sound master, Tito La Rosa.

​Since 2000, Sylvie has taught weekly dance classes and workshops for a variety of populations. Sylvie is often described as a catalytic shape-shifter because of her ability to meet people right where they are and move with them into new possibilities.

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